BEIJING — The leading diplomats from China and India recently convened in Beijing, emphasizing the necessity for their nations to enhance mutual support, although they notably sidestepped the issue of their ongoing border dispute in the Himalayas.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized to Indian foreign affairs representative Vikram Misri the importance of seizing moments for cooperation. He urged both nations to “meet each other halfway, explore more substantive measures, and strive to understand, support and achieve each other.” He cautioned against feelings of suspicion and alienation, according to reports from China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Misri echoed these sentiments, indicating that the two nuclear-capable nations have effectively managed their differences and are working towards rekindling practical cooperation in various sectors.
A statement from India’s foreign ministry highlighted that both sides agreed to resume the pilgrimage for Indian devotees to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a significant site for both Hinduism and Buddhism. The pilgrimage had been put on hold since 2020 due to the pandemic.
Relations between the two nations have remained steady since their leaders last met during a multinational summit in Russia last year. Before that meeting, India had announced an agreement with China regarding military patrols along their disputed border, following increased tensions that emerged from a deadly clash in 2020. This confrontation developed into a prolonged standoff in the challenging mountainous region, with both countries amassing tens of thousands of troops, supported by artillery and aircraft.
Since then, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have maintained a cautious diplomatic approach, primarily exchanging pleasantries while avoiding direct discourse on the contentious border issue. India noted that a 2024 agreement is set to promote “disengagement” of troops at the Line of Actual Control — the disputed boundary in the Himalayas — although it remains unclear if this implies a complete withdrawal of the additional forces present in the Ladakh region.
The Line of Actual Control delineates territories held by China and India stretching from Ladakh in the west to India’s eastern Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims entirely. This area of contention historically led to a deadly conflict between the two nations in 1962.
Both nations have managed to withdraw troops from specific confrontation sites along the northern and southern banks of Pangong Tso, Gogra, and the Galwan Valley; however, they retain a significant military presence in Demchok and Depsang Plains.
The military standoff has caused a deterioration in business relations, leading to a freeze in investments from Chinese companies and the banning of several major projects. India has also prohibited Chinese-owned applications, including TikTok, citing privacy and sovereignty concerns.
Despite these tensions, Chinese products permeate the Indian market, ranging from toys to smartphones and religious idols. According to data from the Indian government, bilateral trade has increased by tens of billions over the last 20 years, heavily skewing toward China. Additionally, many Indian professionals and students have sought opportunities in China, particularly in the medical sector.
